EQ: What do I care about?I can effectively use transitions to improve my writing.

FQ: How can I improve my writing?

Do Now: What makes writing interesting and engaging? What makes writing “good”?

TRANSITION WORDS

Transition words are used to link sentences and ideas. If you use them correctly, your writing will be easier to understand and more natural. Look for transitions when you are reading the newspaper, amagazine, or a book. Notice how other writers have used these words, then try to use them yourself in your own writing.

Directions: For practice, use the transitions at the right in the sentences at the left. Use a transition only once. Read each sentence carefully so that you can choose an appropriatetransition. Capitalize when necessary.

1. I would like to see you tomorrow, ______let’s have lunch together.

2. My sister loves to eat, ______I don’t care much about food.

3. When you begin an exercise program, you must be careful not to overdo it.
My father, ______, hurt his back by exercising too hard without
warming up first.

4. She had looked everywhere for a job; ______, she was called for
an interview.

5. She had been studying for hours. ______, she hoped to do well on the test.

6. First, Mary went to the store. ______, she went to visit her mother.

7. I would like to read many books; ______, I don’t seem to have
enough time to read.

8. John ate and ate; ______, he never gained weight.

9. Joe ate too fast. ______, he had indigestion.

10. He stayed up too late last night; ______, he slept until noon.

11. I want you to buy milk, eggs, and fruit juice; ______,
I want you to be sure to get cereal and ice cream.

12. I was concentrating on my homework. ______,
the soup boiled over.

13. ______, I will boil the water. Second, I will brew the tea,
and ______, I will serve it.

14. Joe, ______, happens to be my best friend.

15. Jane studies all the time; ______, Billy never studies.

Directions: Create on original sentence or pair of sentences using the transition indicated.

  1. for example
  1. furthermore
  1. nevertheless
  1. meanwhile
  1. however
  1. as a result
  1. without a doubt

8. consequently